Create a portrait of the writer you want to be by describing your short- and long-term personal, literary and publishing goals and how you will achieve them by answering these questions. When possible, start your answers with the word “I.”

Why do you want to write?

What do you want to write–novels, nonfiction, children’s, MG or YA books?

Which book(s) is a model for your books?

Is there an author who is a model for the writer you would like to be?

What do you want your writing to communicate?

What do you want your writing to achieve?

What readers are you writing for?

How many books do you want to write a year?

What advance would you like for your books?

How much money a year do you want to earn from your writing?

How and where do you want to live?

(For nonfiction writers) Do you want to write your book yourself, work with an editor, collaborate, or hire a ghostwriter?

Do you want to self-publish, pay to be published, or be paid to be published?

What size house do you want to publish it?

How big an advance do you want?

How many copies do you want it to sell?

How will you support your writing until it supports you?

How will you use your success to serve others?

What literary legacy do you want to leave?

Put your answers up where you write. Read them if you become discouraged. Change them when you wish.

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If you’re an independently published author and bookstore placement is a goal for you, the good news is that you have options. Barnes and Noble can be indie author-friendly, but first you need to make sure your book is ready for prime time. How to ensure your book gets bookstore placement consideration: Professional book production […]

When I consult with new nonfiction authors, one of the first homework tasks I assign is to build a list of influencers. This is important whether you already have a platform or not, because you might be surprised by how many people you know who can help support your book and your overall author-career goals. […]

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Author Name: Beverly B. Palmer, Ph.D. Book Title: Love Demystified: Strategies for a Successful Love Life Synopsis Love Demystified: Strategies for a Successful Love Life is attractive to readers in any stage of a loving relationship—finding a new love, fixing a current relationship, loving again after a loss. It gives you the evidence-based tips and […]

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If you’re an independently published author and bookstore placement is a goal for you, the good news is that you have options. Barnes and Noble can be indie author-friendly, but first you need to make sure your book is ready for prime time. How to ensure your book gets bookstore placement consideration: Professional book production […]

When I consult with new nonfiction authors, one of the first homework tasks I assign is to build a list of influencers. This is important whether you already have a platform or not, because you might be surprised by how many people you know who can help support your book and your overall author-career goals. […]

Studies show that as many as 80% of people want to write a book. I hear this goal all of the time from people I meet in the business world. Countless numbers of people over the years have proclaimed their desire to write a book, but only a small percentage will actually make their book […]

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Each month, the Nonfiction Authors Association asks a burning publishing question of the industry’s best, brightest, and most innovative experts. Here’s what they have to say! NFAA: What is your favorite charitable cause and how might authors use their platforms to help promote their own favorite causes? Stephanie Barko One of my clients is donating […]

For ideas on how to build a great author/speaker website, here are some sites to investigate. Note that some speakers use their personal names for their sites while others build their sites around the theme of their business. Patrick Schwerdtfeger, Big Data: https://www.patrickschwerdtfeger.com/ David Newman, Marketing: https://www.doitmarketing.com/ Marsha Egan, Productivity and Leadership: https://www.marshaegan.com/ Peter Rosenberger, […]